PLANS for a party to celebrate the end of the school term in Richmond, which sparked safety fears after they were publicised online, have been removed from Facebook.

Police had warned people against attending tonight’s event, on the banks of the River Swale, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, after concern about anti-social and drunken behaviour were raised.

The event was expected to attract large numbers of party-goers after it was advertised on Facebook.

Although the event has now been removed from the site, the Darlington & Stockton Times understands an informal gathering may still take place.

The location of the planned party is a designated nocamping area, at an area known as Round Howe, which is on National Trust-owned land.

Police are planning to monitor the site over the weekend and say young people run the risk of getting in trouble if they attend.

There is also a danger of flooding from the River Swale, which runs next to the camp.

Inspector Ian Thompson, from Richmond safer neighbourhood team, said: “The site of the camp runs alongside the river to the west of Richmond.

“Not only has the National Trust designated it as a nocamping area, the River Swale is swollen with recent rainfall and there is a considerable threat of flooding, posing a serious danger to people’s safety.

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but it must not come at the expense of other people’s enjoyment of the area – not to mention the campers’ own safety.

“Drunken antics, high spirits and fast-moving flood water are a recipe for disaster.”

After news of the event, billed “Campout” by ringleaders, circulated quickly on Facebook, police put measures in place aimed at dissuading attendance.

The event was removed from the site last night after police posted a message warning of the danger and risk to campers.

It read: “Campers, please don’t attend this weekend’s camp at Round Howe. There is a danger of rising flood water from the river, camping is not allowed in the area and you will be moved on.

“Extra police will be in the area to deal with underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.”

A Facebook spokeswoman said events can be removed by moderators, if they are deemed inappropriate, or by site users.